MSRI Education Programme

As a result of the Malaysian government not being a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, the status of refugees and asylum seekers remains unrecognised in Malaysia. As a result, children of refugee and asylum seeker parents cannot enter public schools in Malaysia whilst the costs of learning at private schools are too much for them to bear.

To address this issue, MSRI provides education from pre-school all the way to secondary level for children of refugee and asylum seeker background. The children enrolled in MSRI Education Programme are being taught subjects such as Mathematics, History, Social Science and Geography, which are based on international school curriculum, which can help them transition into the schooling system of countries where they may get resettled. In enabling children to better adapt in Malaysia and the next country of resettlement, all lessons are conducted in English. Our programme also includes sports, computer classes and extracurricular activities, depending on additional funding.

MSRI Education Programme is being run by a dedicated team of paid staff whom are mostly refugees and asylum seekers. Individuals from these communities are appointed not only due to their skills and experience, but also for capacity building within their communities.

MSRI Preschool & Kindergarten Programme

MSRI Preschool and Kindergarten Programme offers early childhood education to around 30 children between 4 to 6 years of age. The programme includes an introduction to English, Mathematics and Science in an age appropriate format and in preparation for Primary Education. Lessons and activities within this programme are conducted from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm on Monday to Thursday, and from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm on Friday.

MSRI Primary & Secondary Education Programme

MSRI Education Programme provides full time schooling to around 253 refugee and asylum seeker children aged 6 to 18. The Primary Education Programme offers education to children aged 6 to 13, whom are placed in Grade 1 to 6, while the Secondary Education Programme provides education to students aged 13 to 18, whom are placed in Grade 7 to 12. The classes are conducted in English and cover 4 main subjects, namely Mathematics, Science, English, and Social Studies. When opportunities arise, we include classes on Health, Sports, Computers, and other recreational and educational activities inside and outside of the classroom.

Classes under MSRI Education Programme begin at 9.30 am to 4.00 pm form Monday to Thursday, and 9.30 am to 1.00 pm on Friday. The school year runs from August to June; it is divided into two semesters; the first semester runs from August to January, having a one-week break in October. The second semester runs from January to June, having a one-week break in March. In addition, the school follows the main Malaysian and State holidays plus religious holidays. During the school holidays the SSC School offers a Fun Camp.

The MSRI Education Programme is run by a team of dedicated paid staff (depending on funding) and volunteers. Our team includes a school manager, teachers, administrative staff, a counselor and canteen worker, many of whom are refugees or asylum seekers themselves. The Education Programme brings together children from very different backgrounds and teaches them key values to help them grow in peace and harmony with others. The existing curriculum also helps students achieve a standard of education that can help them transition into the schooling system of countries where they may get resettled.

For those students unable to be enrolled in our Education Programme (due to our limited capacity), MSRI supports their home schooling by providing them with textbooks and allowing them to sit the exams.

Our Education Programme also helps children and their families attain a sense of normality in their lives, as the parents are given the opportunity access other services while the children receive education.

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